Spied undergoing testing at no less a punishing
location than the Nürburgring, the forthcoming Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 looks
about ready for its big debut. Just look at the hunkered-down chassis, those
big wheels, the aggressive aero. Like a 911 GT3, but even lighter, and with the
engine mounted in between the axles, instead of hanging off the back.
The extreme approach isn’t the only thing which the
GT4 will share with the GT3, though. We’re expecting the top “baby” Porsche to
pack the GT3’s 4.0-liter boxer six – naturally aspirated, unlike every other
version of the current 718. But it’ll likely be detuned slightly for the
smaller package. It’s also anticipated to offer both manual and possibly
dual-clutch transmissions to satisfy both purists and those looking for the
fastest way ’round the track.
With either gearbox, it ought to make for one very
fast driving tool. Sport Auto managed to hustle the pocket rocket around the
Nordshleife in 7 minutes and 42 seconds. That’s as quick as the 997 GT3 was
clocked less than a decade prior. Considering that the latest 718 Cayman S has
already rattled off a lap time 7:46.7 (at the hands of the same driver for the
same publication), we won’t be surprised to see the new GT4 crack into the 7:30
range. And that wouldn’t be far off the 7:28 that the Carrera GT mustered in
2004.
Of course the GT3, GT3 RS, and GT2 RS will still be
quicker, faster, and more powerful. But for our money, we may very well be
tempted more towards their little brother. We’ll reserve final judgement for
when we see the finished product, of course. But that may come as soon as the
Paris Motor Show in the fall.
Cr : Carscoops
